Dog from Ukraine sent to Southampton after arriving in isles with fake rabies test results

A DOG which arrived in Shetland after being imported to the UK from Ukraine had fraudulent rabies test results – meaning it had to be transported to Southampton for quarantine.

Shetland Islands Council’s environmental health team received notification from the Animal and Plant Health Agency in March.

A report to members of the council’s environment and transport committee at a meeting on Tuesday said: “This was part of a larger group of puppies brought in to the country via a UK charity.

“DEFRA are currently investigating but the Shetland animal had to be transported to Southampton for quarantine.

“It can take up to four months before the animal is declared free of any notifiable disease.”

Anyone bringing a dog, cat or ferret into the UK must have it vaccinated against rabies before it can travel.

Meanwhile as part of the process in finding temporary homes in the UK for Ukrainian refugees, the environmental health team has also been tasked by the Scottish Government to carry out checks on host properties prior to their arrival in Shetland.

These are mostly houses where the owners have kindly offered part of their accommodation to share.

The checks are similar to those the team apply when assessing the fitness of houses in the private rented sector.